RN-to-BSN FAQs
Format of the Program
Do I have to attend UMSON full time?
No. Once you complete your ADN at your community college, you can attend UMSON full time and complete the RN-to-BSN program in two semesters (first fall and then spring or first spring and then fall), or you can attend part time taking one or more courses each semester. Faculty advisors will work with you to develop your plan of study. While enrolled at your community college, you may be able to take a course within the UMSON program. The dual-admission coordinator at your school can assist you in the process as well as determine if you are ready to take classes.
How long is the RN-to-BSN program?
You are allowed five years to complete all courses and graduate. The entire program is 31 credits. You are awarded 30 credits for having your nursing license, and 59 credits are completed through prerequisite courses prior to entering the UMSON program. Learn more about the program.
Can I complete the program entirely online?
Yes, the RN-to-BSN program can be completed entirely online with the exception of NURS 467: Public Health Essentials for the Registered Nurse. This course includes 90 practicum hours in addition to coursework.
Can I complete the program if I live out of state?
Yes, you can take classes online, and the public health practicum (NURS 467: Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse) can be completed near your home. Our faculty assist you in locating an appropriate practicum site and a preceptor. You can view out-of-state tuition rates at nursing.umaryland.edu/tuition.
Prerequisites and the Application Process
Am I able to apply without having completed the NCLEX?
Yes, you are able to apply for the Dual-Admission Partnership program without holding an RN license. Upon completion of your ADN and all prerequisites, you will enroll in UMSON’s RN-to-BSN program. You have until the end of your first semester at UMSON to submit proof of your nursing license.
Can I complete the prerequisites while enrolled at UMSON?
No, prerequisites must be completed before you enroll at UMSON. While you attend your community college and are dually admitted to UMSON, you will be able to complete your prerequisites prior to official enrollment at UMSON.
Do I need to send transcripts from all schools I have attended?
Yes, you are required to submit an official transcript from every institution you have attended, whether or not college credit was earned. Missing transcripts will result in an incomplete application.
When are the application deadlines for the Dual-Admission Partnership program?
As a Dual-Admission Partnership program applicant, you will work with the dual-admission coordinator at your community college to determine the appropriate semester for your application to UMSON. You may apply at any time during the semester. The final deadline for application submission is as follows:
Spring Semester: Dec. 1
Fall Semester: May 1
How do I apply to the Dual-Admission Partnership program?
Your first step is to meet with your community college dual-admission coordinator to ensure that you are eligible for the program. Once we receive the eligibility form from your dual-admission coordinator, you will be sent application instructions along with an application fee waiver via email. When applying, you will select the term in which you will matriculate at UMSON.
To apply to the program, you will need to submit the following items:
- Completed application
- Application fee waiver code (will be sent with application instructions)
- Essay
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all previous schools (including your ADN institution, even though you haven’t completed your degree yet)
- Completed prerequisite course list
- In-State Classification Form: REQUIRED for all applicants
How do I complete the in-state classification form?
You can complete the form online at www.umaryland.edu/application with the guidance of your community college dual-admission coordinator. The form is required of ALL applicants, regardless of residency status.
The form should be completed for the term you intend to begin taking courses and after every term of non-attendance.
The In-State Classification Form should be sent to the University of Maryland, Baltimore registrar at:
Office of the Registrar
University of Maryland, Baltimore 601 W. Lombard St., Suite 240
Baltimore, MD 21201
By email as a scanned document: registrar@umaryland.edu
Fax: 410-706-4053
Are there scholarship opportunities?
Yes. Interested dual-admission students can apply for the Conway Scholarship; you will receive communications indicating when the application is available. Learn more about the Conway Scholarship.
How will I be notified of my admission to UMSON?
Once you submit your UMSON application for admission to the Dual-Admission Partnership program, it is reviewed by the UMSON Office of Admissions. If you meet the admission criteria, you
will receive an email indicating that you have been provisionally accepted as a dual-admission RN-to-BSN student. At this time, you will not be required to submit a deposit.
Once you graduate from your ADN program and have completed any outstanding UMSON prerequisites, you will enroll at UMSON. You will receive a second letter indicating you will be officially matriculating into UMSON for a certain term. At this point, you are required to confirm your enrollment and pay a $400 nonrefundable seat deposit that will be applied toward your tuition.
Once Enrolled
What are the admission requirements for the Dual-Admission Partnership program?
An overall GPA of 3.0, calculated on all previously attempted coursework, is required. In addition, a 2.75 science GPA is required. The science GPA includes Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology 2, Microbiology, and Chemistry. Repeated courses are calculated in the cumulative and science GPAs.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA during the program?
Yes. You are required to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA to remain in the Dual-Admission Partnership program.
What if I fall below a 3.0 GPA during the program?
You will be given one semester to raise your GPA to 3.0. If you are unable to raise your GPA to 3.0 by the end of the following semester, you will be dropped from the Dual-Admission Partnership program, but upon completion of your ADN, you may apply to the RN-to-BSN program as part of the open pool.
Will I be assigned a faculty advisor?
Yes, each student is assigned a faculty advisor who will assist you with developing your plan of study for the program.
Am I able to choose where I complete my practicum experience?
Yes, NURS 467: Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse requires 90 hours of practicum experience, and faculty in the course work closely with you to determine an appropriate site related to your interests and your location. However, you are not required to find your own placement. Faculty have multiple partnerships for placement.
Will I be able to access the library and other student services if I take my course online?
Yes, all students pay applicable fees, and this allows you to have access to student services, including the library and instructional technology.